Taiwanese Teachers-in-Training Support Thousands of Students in Rural Summer Program

A significant initiative is underway this summer, with approximately 1,300 pre-service teachers engaging in the "Schweitzer Spirit Education Service Plan." These aspiring educators are dedicating their summer break to provide educational support to nearly 4,000 students across 93 primary schools, secondary schools, and kindergartens nationwide.

The program focuses on assisting students in rural and disadvantaged areas. Pre-service teachers are spending three consecutive weeks with the students, offering a blend of academic support and specialized courses. These unique modules include topics such as generative artificial intelligence, sustainable development, and local culture, aiming to enrich the students' learning experiences and broaden their horizons.

Minister of Education Pan Wen-chung visited schools in Pingtung and Kaohsiung to observe the program's implementation. He lauded the pre-service teachers for their dedication, emphasizing how their efforts not only demonstrate a commitment to education but also enhance their own teaching skills in real-world classroom settings. The program helps them develop expertise in curriculum design, classroom management, and student counseling.

National Pingtung University's 11 pre-service teachers organized a camp at Chang Jung Lily Elementary School in Majia Township, Pingtung County, from July 6 to 24. Their activities were centered around the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), integrating local indigenous culture and resources. Courses included building wind-powered cars, upcycling plastic bottles, farming experiences, community clean-ups, and toy sharing, all designed to foster environmental protection, sustainable development, and character education.

Meanwhile, eight pre-service teachers from National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology worked with 27 students at Dayi Junior High School in Kaohsiung. Beyond reinforcing academic foundations, their curriculum incorporated generative AI, teaching students critical thinking skills for the digital age, including effective questioning, information analysis, and media literacy. They also leveraged their cross-disciplinary expertise in fields like civil engineering and aquaculture to arrange site visits, exposing students to the aquatic industry and potential career paths.

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Pre-service teachers use their summer vacation to go deep into schools, accompanying rural students and children to learn and grow. They use their educational expertise and passion to design diverse courses, not only demonstrating educational missions but also improving curriculum design, classroom management, and student counseling abilities in real teaching situations, accumulating nourishment for future involvement in education.